K12 and other homeschool approaches

[TheLittleRoo]

I wanted to post this question to any moms who are using the K-12 curriculum, homeschooling in some way, or just supplementing what public schools are offering.

I've been considering doing something at home to enrich my kids' public educations. Both are gifted, and I am sorely disappointed in my district's offerings in this area. While I'm not ready to homeschool them myself (teaching is not my strong-suit, I'm impatient) I am intruiged by the K12 online plan because it seems to be so easy to follow and parsed out into a designed curriculum plan.

I'd love to hear from other parents who use this or similar plans. Mainly costs and what you think about the materials, but also alternatives. Is there a plan that is not only online, but rather uses books that can be passed from one sibling to another? I thought I could swing buying the materials for K-12 since I have three kids, to pass along, but it seems like with online, you have to enroll each on monthly (like $180/mo for six subjects with two kids?)

Where do you get started researching these options?

 

[Ellester]

I would suggest posting your question on the homeschooling thread (http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=24402925#post24402925), I know several regular posters have K12 experience. In Georgia you can get your K12 free through the Virtual School, but then you have to follow their timetables and requirements. I think several other states have similar options, but they would be for full time homeschooling, not just supplementing. We are a pretty friendly bunch over on the HS thread, although I will warn you that we are pretty blatantly pro-homeschooling.

 

[NHWX]

K12 is easy. We've used it for years. Generally, there's a sibling discount (10%?) so you can pare down some of the classes that way. There might also be a pay all at once discount. Periodically, they offer curriculum (books, etc.) discounts too.

If you're interested, you should call K12 and have them give you a demo account login so you can poke around.

Maybe it might be better to say, try history for the fall and then swap to science in the spring, paying for one course but still getting some variety and enrichment. If you're not homeschooling and don't have to report to your local district, wouldn't it be kind of a lot to add in six extra courses?

The homeschool folks are really nice - pop over there and ask away!

NHWX

 

[Barb D]

How old are your kids?

I looked into K12 for DD15, but ended up going with Keystone. It's an online accredited high school. They just started a middle school, too. DD loves it. There is a teacher for each class, and they do all the grading and record keeping. I proofread papers for her, answer the occasional question, and get her to the library -- or bribe her brother to get her there -- but that's it.

I forget why I decided against K12. Maybe it's not accredited?